I've not heard of a "crush" sleeve/washer being used in this type of application before.
Yes on a pinion shaft in the differential for preload on the bearing with the appropriate resistance for the nut to stay tight.
In the case of the Centa, and the Harley compensator, having these parts tight to the crank is very important. Even more so on Harley comp as it has all the side load from the primary chain. But in the M3W it's an axial load, not radial.
I know what you're saying Phil about trans gears on shaft that literally just slide on the splines, but with all of the vibration and torque pulses on the V-twin, I'd rather have the flange super tight non the less.
How does your inner housing pilot bearing/bushing attach inside onto the hub? Could this have been part of the problem? I doubt it though as you are a "thinker" at a super level...
